2013 Villa le Barone, Chianti in Tuscany, Italy

Paint ,sketch, photograph, dine and relax in the footsteps of Italian Renaissance artists. Centered in the heart of Chianti, one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany, you will be staying in a historical villa of the Della Robbia family between Florence and Siena.

You may elect to sketch and paint, but you also will have the opportunity to explore a particular aspect of Tuscany’s history and culture by visiting a few of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens.The discovery of their shapes, perspectives, colors, lights and shades, and perfumes will be a memorable experience and a great source of inspiration.

Daily, you will have several options – painting, sketching or photographing; shopping and touring or just relaxing at your own pace. You may paint in any medium. The choice will be yours. Non-painters are most welcome!

YOUR HOSTS at Villa le BaroneJacqueline and Corso Aloisi de Larderel are the current owners of Villa Le Barone and are heirs of Duchess Franca Visconti. They, and the friendly staff of Villa Le Barone will attend to your every need.

Set in the timeless Chianti landscape, the ancient manor house, Villa Le Barone has been in the Della Robbia family since the XVIth century and is imbued with the character of rural Italy. Ideally situated between Florence and Siena, Villa le Barone offers a quiet and peaceful haven and ideal base from which to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful gardens, villages, cities and the Chianti wineries. Set in a large rose garden with lavender and olive trees and on a beautiful hill, the hotel has enchanting, panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan landscape. Although completely renovated, Villa Le Barone has retained the character of an old family home, with antique furniture, paintings, rare books and romantic objects from the family’s past.

Jann Pollard will be the instructor. Open to all levels of artists and in any medium. We will be capturing the moment through photos, sketches and small, plein air paintings. Jann has led tours in various locations since 1997.

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare and transportation to and from Villa le Barone
(closest airports are Florence and Pisa)
Entrance fee to Villa le Corti
Gratuities to driver/ hotel, personal expenses such as laundry, meals and beverages not listed under Included. Services other than those mentioned, accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance.

Day 2: Sketch and paint close to Villa le Barone.
Visit Romanesque church and cloister in San Leolino, Panzano.

Day 3 – 5: A typical day may be painting at the villa after a gourmet breakfast. Lunches will be simple, generally on the patio, weather permitting. Alternate days may be a short deluxe motor coach trip to historical gardens, often not open to the public. The property at Villa le Barone offers incredible Tuscan subjects from almost any direction. You will not have a lack of painting subjects. One of the famous gardens we may go to is Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati, owned by Corso’s family. Another garden to be visited may be, Villa le Corti, San Casciano. It is also a private family estate.

Day 7: Tour ends after breakfast. Arrangements can be made for travel to your hotel, train or airport.

PAINTING WORKSHOP DETAILS:
A special ‘plus’ for this workshop will be an art studio space in the Fattoria (see below), where we can paint and/or leave our painting gear during the workshop. The furniture will either be covered or removed and tables will be provided for our use. Should it turn chilly, the fireplace will keep us warm and cozy. It will be your choice: the medium you wish to paint and/or plein-air or studio.

Jann will be demonstrating in watercolor, but it will be your choice as to the medium you wish to paint in, and plein-air or studio. A suggested art supply list will be mailed close to the workshop.